Great Rock shop to open as planned
Jonathan Stansfield, Debbie McCall and Annette Williams of Great Rock co-op Picture: Craig Shaw, Blu Planet Photography
Despite the unseasonal wintry weather the Great Rock Co-op Shop at Staups Lea Farm near Blackshaw Head will open tomorrow (Saturday, 10am to 2pm).
Farm fresh meats, local cheeses, hand-made bread and cakes, jams and preserves are among the local produce on offer.
Old favourite Bridestones Beer will be on sale, alongside a very welcome newcomer Luddenden Valley Wines who make wines and liqueurs from home-grown fruit and berries.
“It’s taken a lot of work but we’re sure it’s going to be a real asset to the local community and will inspire small producers to have a go at selling their goods,” says group member and smallholder, Lucy Brill. “Importantly, it keeps money in our local economy.”
Interested in cutting food miles and supporting local food producers, a small group began with table-top selling and promotion of local food at various community events. It became clear that there was great demand for authentic, local food so opening a shop was the obvious next step. Staups Lea Farm on the outskirts of Blackshaw Head provided a space.
As an Industrial Provident Society, the shop is a not-for-profit co-operative. A £2,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Calderdale helped make the project become a reality, funding the fitting of and equipment for the shop.
“Most of Great Rock Co-op’s produce, including some fantastic local arts and craft items, come from within a few miles of the shop,” says group member Annette Williams. “You can be confident that you’re buying quality goods, while supporting local start-up enterprises.”
The shop will be open from 10am until 2pm every Saturday from March 23 at Staups Lea Farm, OL14 8RR. More information at www.greatrockcoop.co.uk or on the Great Rock Co-op Facebook page.
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
